The obligation we all have to serve in our communities is in reality an opportunity given by our Heavenly Father. When we approach it in the right spirit, with the right principles and goals in mind, we will bring blessings into the lives of others and enrich our own lives as well. (Source: lds.org "Tips for Serving Effectively")
We continue to feature Mormon Helping Hands projects done during the National Day of Service on April 27, 2013.
Ilagan Philippines Stake (Tumauini Ward 1 & 2)
Tumauini Ward (Parish) volunteers of the Ilagan Philippines Stake (Diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) met together to provide service at Lalauanan High School. Part of the group, under the direction of Relief Society sisters, cleaned the school surroundings. Other youth and members of the bishopric planted trees in designated areas of the school’s vacant lot. Priesthood holders who are skilled in carpentry repaired 90 classroom chairs. Excitement for the day included the removal of a snake from inside the school stockroom!
The school administrator, together with the teachers, expressed their gratitude and gave their commendation. Parents who reside nearby the school campus said the trees were badly needed since the area is prone to flooding during the rainy season. The project was a success with the support of the following leaders: Stake President Roosevelt B. Lugo, Jr.; 2nd counselor President Salvador D. Balucas, Sr.; Bishops Jayson D. Yamongan and Jasper D. Allapitan, respectively.
Relationships were established between the school administrator and students who are members of the Church. Now, they will allow LDS seminary classes to be held inside the campus which will be more convenient than the chapel location currently being utilized.
A sense of camaraderie and friendship were experienced by those in attendance. Service hours totaled 375 for the day.
Lingayen Stake
Over 1,000 man-hours of service were delivered by 268 members of the Church as they held a coastal clean-up project in Lingayen Beach, Philippine Army Headquarters Camp, San Isidro Norte Binmaley, Uyong Labrador Beach and Barangay Baay Lingayen, Pangasinan. They removed trash lining up the beach and cleaned up barangay streets.
What a difference a few hours can make when several join together in a common cause. It was a great day for families as they joined together in service to the community by supporting government programs.
Barangay and other government officials expressed appreciation for the service rendered by the volunteers. Stake President Nicanor De Guzman encouraged the groups with his message that taking care of God’s creations by giving service unites one another and creates a common bond.
Valenzuela Philippines Stake
Mormon Helping Hands from the Valenzuela Philippines Stake of the Church and community-based businesses joined together to assist in the Brigada Eskwela Project of the Department of Education. For two days, they prepared school buildings and its facilities for the coming 2013 school year that begins in June.
They painted walls and arranged gardens for the Caruhatan National High School. Chairs were varnished and other painting projects helped spruce up the Gen. T. de Leon National High School. The Rotary Club of Metro Valenzuela and Davies Paints Philippines, Inc. assisted in the cause by donating paint. One hundred twenty-six members of the Church participated in the two day service project and logged a total of 1,068 man-hours of service.
Mr. Arneil Aro, Principal of the CNHS, and Mrs. Rosalyn Lo, Faculty President of GTDNHS, expressed appreciation for a job well done.
Urdaneta Stake, San Manuel Branch
It was a beautiful morning as 30 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donned yellow Helping Hands vests to provide service. They cleaned provincial roadsides and lined up tree seedlings. They served with much joy as they worked. It made such a huge difference in the area that many residents requested another project in the future. There was a total of 150 man-hours of service donated.
Bago Philippines Stake
Under sunny skies, Saturday morning April 27, the Bago Stake (diocese) of the Church held its National Day of Service. All six wards (parishes) from the stake participated in different projects.
Bago 1st and 2nd Wards (parishes) participated in clean-up projects for Leonor dela Ramon Elementary School and Ranun Torres National High School. Also in attendance were Mr. Fotunata M. Filomeno, the high school principal, his staff, and barangay officials who helped with the project.
Pulupandan 1st and 2nd Wards cleaned the Pulupandan Plaza together with the police and barangay officials.
Clumangum and Valladolid Wards provided service by cleaning coastal areas and certain areas in the town . The day of service started and ended with hymns, prayers and inspirational talks together with other participants from the community who expressed appreciation for the work rendered.
More than 500 man-hours of service was rendered.
Catarman Philippines Stake
To address pollution and other related issues, members from Catarman focused on projects that preserved the environment and kept the surroundings clean.
Since the wards (parishes) are far apart from each other, they decided to do the projects by individual units. Service projects ranged from coastal clean-ups, beautification of a public park in a barangay, cleaning of schools and sweeping of grounds, painting of structures, tree planting and garbage disposal following the correct segregation method.
School administrators, local officials and town officials joined with the Helping Hands volunteers. They expressed gratitude for the Church's support in their local government initatives particularly in helping clean and protect the environment.
The activities were attended by 352 members with a total of 1,235 man-hours of service. The yellow Mormon Helping Hands vests were seen all around the neighborhood as members of the stake provided valuable service and helped strengthen relationships with community leaders.